Wichita State. Dayton. Florida Gulf Coast.
Cinderella has moved all over the country in the past few years. The question is, for bracket crunchers everywhere come March, where will she set up base this year? While we're all penciling in Kentucky, Virginia, and Wisconsin for those 1 vs. 16 matchups, it's time to take a look at five teams who could burn brackets all over the nation.
Northern Iowa — Okay, so the Panthers (22-2) are ranked 14th, so maybe they're not the team that should "sneak up" on people. However, they make the list because UNI is one of those teams that could go past the Sweet 16. Ben Jacobsen's team is dangerous behind the arc, tough on defense and Seth Tuttle really can take over a game. The last time UNI was dancing, they knocked off Kansas, who was heavily favored to win the whole tournament. This is not a team to take lightly, regardless of seed.
Wyoming — When a team has a solid assist to turnover ratio, they're always a little dangerous in March and the Cowboys fit the mold perfectly. The UW inside game is anchored by the "juniors" Larry Nance, Jr. and Derek Cooke, Jr. They're a little undersized, so if the perimeter shot isn't there, they could become vulnerable to an early exit. However, Riley Grabau and Charles Henderson, Jr. (yes, they have another one!) are capable of having good games behind the arc and if they do, Wyoming becomes a very difficult out.
Stephen F. Austin — The Lumberjacks (19-3) are once again in the March Madness picture. Currently on an 18-game winning streak, the Jacks have great shooters in Jacob Parker and Thomas Walkup and a fantastic floor general in 5-9 Trey Pinkney. They're good in up-tempo games but have no problem winning in slower, half-court games as well. SFA has recent experience in March Madness and won't be afraid of anyone come dance time.
Iona — The Gaels (18-6) could be the best Cinderella candidate of them all. They are a nightmare matchup for most teams as they play a deep bench for a very high-octane attack. Six Iona players currently shoot better than 40 percent behind the arc, with a seventh, A.J. English, not far behind. They pass the ball well, they force turnovers and create mass chaos on the court. Don't be surprised if Iona makes some real noise.
Wofford — Currently on a seven-game winning streak, the Terriers (20-5) already have a win over N.C. State to their credit. History has shown that a Cinderella can rise due to a team having one phenomenal player ... does Weber State's Harold Arceneaux ring a bell? The Terriers have a similar potential star in Karl Cochran, a 6-2 guard who leads the team in points, rebounds, assists, steals ... even blocks! Cochran is the catalyst in the Terrier machine that has surged to the top of the Southern Conference. If he peaks next month, he might become a household name.
February might bring some new teams to replace the current ones. For now, though, I wouldn't take my eye off any of these squads ... they have what it takes to destroy a bracket or two.
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